“Inmate Ariel Castro was found hanging in his cell this evening at 9:20 p.m. at the Correctional Reception Center in Orient. He was housed in protective custody, which means he was in a cell by himself and rounds are required every 30 minutes at staggered intervals."

Castro was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10:52 p.m., according to the statement. An investigation is underway by the Ohio Department of Corrections.